Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Written By Bradford Cuthrell
Last Updated April 2024
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, about 55% of energy use in American homes goes toward heating and cooling. With Evanston's cold winters, you may feel like you're spending even more than that. On average, the monthly heating bill for a Evanston resident is $190.
Our list of Evanston's top HVAC companies can help you get your system into its best shape ever, allowing you to keep comfortable while saving money.
Our Rating
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Our Rating
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Prompt service delivery
Services Offered
Our Rating
Informative resources
Free quote
Reliable customer support
Prompt service delivery
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Our Rating
Free quote
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Prompt service delivery
Services Offered
Our Rating
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Services Offered
Our Rating
Prompt service delivery
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Services Offered
Our Rating
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Services Offered
Our Rating
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Free quote
Services Offered
Our Rating
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Free quote
Services Offered
Our Rating
Informative resources
Prompt service delivery
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Today's Homeowner looks at dozens of datapoints on hvac companies to come up with our data-driven rankings. It's not possible for a company to pay for preferential treatment in our rankings. We look at the following key factors in determining who should top our list:
If your home's HVAC system is malfunctioning or nearing the end of its lifespan, you might need an HVAC contractor for repairs or replacement. Look for these common indicators that your system requires professional attention:
Schedule an inspection if you notice any of these problems. A local technician can inspect your system, detect problems, and decide whether you need repairs or a new HVAC unit.
HVAC installation or maintenance prices change depending on your system. Common HVAC unit types include the following:
The price of HVAC maintenance also varies depending on what kind of work being done. HVAC systems are complicated and may require different kinds of maintenance. The cost of some common repairs is as follows:
HVAC Unit Type | Cost | |
---|---|---|
Split | $1,796-$4,578 | |
Hybrid Split | $3,639-$6,705 | |
Heat Pump | $2,818-$28,712 | |
Packaged Heating and Air | $236-$393 |
It's important to take care of HVAC repairs and replacements in a timely manner, but it can also be expensive. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to reduce wear and tear on your system.
Service | Cost | |
---|---|---|
Filter Replacement | $59-$157 | |
Condensor Cleaning | $1,179-$3,537 | |
Thermostat Repair | $79-$196 | |
Ductwork Cleaning | $377-$943 |
Knowing the indicators of a good HVAC company is important. A properly licensed contractor with the right experience will give you confidence that they can fix your system, providing you with effective air conditioning and heating in your home.
Request estimates from three or more HVAC contractors. Explain your issues and ask if specialists can inspect your system in person. Review each contractor's diagnoses, recommended solutions, estimated cost, timeline, and warranties. Avoid providers that pressure you or demand payment before work.
When hiring an HVAC company, choose one with technicians that have the proper training, licenses, and experience. HVAC contractors in all states need to obtain a Section 608 Technician Certification from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This certification is required for all contractors who "maintain, service, repair or dispose of equipment that could release refrigerants into the atmosphere." Contractors must pass an exam (the type of exam depends on the type of equipment they intend to work with) to be certified by the EPA. All other licensing requirements are handled on a state-by-state basis.
HVAC contractors in Wyoming don't require a state-level HVAC license, although if they do electrical work, they may need to be licensed by the Wyoming Department of Fire Prevention and Electrical Safety. It's also a good idea to check with your city or municipal government to find out if there are any local licensing requirements. Always check a provider's reviews and complaints with organizations such as Yelp, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and Google Reviews. You want to hire a provider with positive reviews and a history of good customer service.
Always make sure you understand the details of a planned project. For HVAC repairs, your provider should specify which parts require replacement and why. Confirm that your technician will clean and test the system after repairs are completed to verify that it’s working properly. When replacing your HVAC, have the provider describe the new brand, model, estimated installation time, energy efficiency, and features. Before work starts, ask how your provider plans to accurately size the unit for your home and how much it will cost.
A reputable HVAC company will back its repair services and installations with a warranty. The longer and more comprehensive the coverage terms, the better. Carefully compare warranty terms between contractors and choose the provider that offers the best protection within your budget.
Get written quotes before starting HVAC work. The quote should include costs for both materials and labor. Review all terms carefully before signing.
Generally, you should have your HVAC system inspected twice a year. After that inspection, your technician will tell you what services are required. You should also have an inspection if you notice any new issues, like leaks, strange noises, or unusual smells. If your home has ductwork, it should be serviced every few years.
The best times to have your HVAC system inspected are the spring and fall. Technicians are often less busy during these times, making it easier to get an appointment. This also helps get your system ready for the summer and winter, when it typically sees the most use.
You can save energy during the winter by reducing how much power your HVAC system uses to heat your home. Keep your thermostat as low as is comfortable and don't make drastic changes in the temperature — increase or decrease it a few degrees at a time. If you can, try switching to a smart thermostat.
Generally, HVAC installation or replacement takes one to three days for the entire system. Installing or replacing an air conditioning unit or a furnace takes anywhere from about half a day up to two days. The exact amount of time will depend on factors like the size of your home, how easily accessible different parts of the system are, and whether your technician finds any problems.
For a 2,000-square-foot home, try to purchase a furnace that's between 50,000 and 80,000 BTUs (British thermal units). In Evanston, you'll probably want a furnace on the higher end of (or even above) this range.
For a 2,000-square-foot home, you'll also want an air conditioning unit with between 2.5 and 5 tons of capacity. In Evanston, a unit with a lower capacity may be sufficient. In general, if your home is larger than 1,000 square feet, central air will be more effective than window air conditioning units.
Typically, HVAC financing is offered through a third-party lender. If your HVAC company doesn't offer financing, you may consider taking out a loan on your own. Be sure to talk to your HVAC company and a financial advisor to determine what options are available to you and appropriate for your situation.
There are a number of ways you can make your HVAC system more energy-efficient: